Plenty of runners for our columnist over the weekend - check out his thoughts on them all including Ventura Diamond as she heads down to Newmarket.
2.40 Ripon – Internationaldream
He’s a very tough and genuine two-year-old who ran cracking races to be placed in the Dragon Stakes and Molecomb on his last two starts. I’d imagine the step up to six furlongs is going to suit and this looks a very good race for him.
3.15 Ripon – Brian The Snail
I was delighted with his run in the Stewards’ Cup when he finished third. He’s always has plenty of ability and if he’s in the same form again he’d go close in this. Megan Nicholls rides again and he’s gone well at this track before.
3.15 Ripon – George Bowen
I just feel we should have ridden him with more restraint at Goodwood last time. He headed for home mid-race there and that isn’t what he needs. We’ll give him a chance in this and delay his run a little longer. He’s in good nick.
3.15 Ripon – Mr Lupton
He’s been a star but I expected him to run a big race in the Stewards’ Cup and it just didn’t happen. We don’t know why. He was below-par in the Wokingham too but we’re still happy with him at home so will try again.
4.25 Ripon – Kitten’s Dream
He runs at Pontefract on Friday. This race had a very small entry when they closed so I thought I’d put him in. Depending on how he goes in the first race – and how he comes out of it – he could run again.
4.55 Ripon – Arctic Fox
She’s very tough and genuine and is in good order going into this. She has a big weight but Billy Garrity’s five-pound claim will help and she ran well at York last time. She definitely has a chance.